Ways to avoid probate
You may have heard of strategies to avoid probate, but you might not understand why it matters. Probate is a legal process in which the court determines if a will is valid and oversees its enforcement. Even if you nominate an executor, Texas law requires that all...
What are the negative aspects of being an executor?
Being chosen as the executor of a person’s estate often feels like an honor in Texas. Yet, ensuring that the individual’s affairs are handled according to their wishes is often a thankless role that carries with it a fair amount of risk and responsibility. Personal...
What are tangible and intangible assets in estate administration?
When preparing estate documents, many people are primarily concerned with how they will distribute assets to heirs following their death. However, Texas residents should also be aware of the difference between tangible and intangible assets, as questions may arise...
Limitations of writing a will
One would think that a Texas court would honor all of their wishes in their will, but that's not necessarily the case. Certain stipulations aren't valid in a will, but there's usually a way to make those desires valid. Probate There isn't a way to prevent your will...
When is it necessary to probate a will in Texas?
Many Texas residents will set up their estate plan in a way to avoid probate as much as possible. The probate process can be tedious and intimidating at the best of times, especially after the death of a loved one. Unfortunately, certain circumstances can make...
Understanding conservatorship and the impact it has in Texas
A person's capabilities are prone to change during his or her lifetime. So in Texas, the law allows someone to step in and take care of the assets, needs and any other important aspects of the incapacitated person's life. If you are interested in conservatorship, here...
Facts about estate planning executors in Texas
When someone dies, their estate has to get managed and distributed according to their will. This is one of the responsibilities of an executor. If you have been named as the executor of an estate, it is important to understand your duties and responsibilities. Who is...
What does a trustee do in Texas?
The probate and estate administration process is one that requires a great deal of attention to detail. These tasks can be difficult for an executor, but the probate trustee has the specific duty of ensuring that the process runs smoothly. They have certain critical...
Differences between wills and family trusts
If a person doesn't leave a will before they pass away in Sherman, Texas, the courts decide the fate of their assets. An effective estate plan prevents this from happening and helps ensure that assets transfer smoothly to heirs. Two tools that a person can use to...
What happens if I die without a will?
As previously discussed in this Texas estate planning blog, many individuals do not have estate plans in place. An estate plan is a set of legal documents that outlines a person’s testamentary wishes regarding their care and the distribution of their assets when they...
